MUMBAI: The rising cost of kitchen staples like onion, tomato, green peas, ridged gourd apart from the already high prices of pulse have dampened the spirits of Mumbaikars in the festive season.

Citizens allege that government’s promises to control the price rise have fallen flat.

Initially, the prices of onion pinched pockets for several months and now even after the arrival of new stock, the rates hover between Rs 40 and 50 per kg. Tomato prices have touched Rs 60 per kg from Rs 40 and green peas cost Rs 150 per kg. Ridged gourd, which was Rs 60, has jumped to Rs 130 per kg in the retail market, leaving consumers fuming.

Supply of stock doesn’t seem to be matching the demand in the festive season. Consumers are up in arms while battling the skyrocketing dal prices along with other items. “We are in search for the discounted dal that the government has promised us,” said Akshara Jee, a homemaker. Traders are also unhappy. “Our regular customers are dissatisfied with expensive dal, which has prompted us to do away with pulses for the time being,” said retailer Manoj Mule.

“We are forced to face tough times due to the present government’s failure. The regime has failed to initiate deterrent measure to neutralize the rising prices of essential commodities,” said Susbhash Vishwakarma, a chartered accountant. “Most of the vegetables are unaffordable like pulses. The rising cost of kitchen essentials has played spoilsport in the festive season,” said Seema Sharma, a homemaker.

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